Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1887-06-23
AFTER TWENTY YEARS.
A Story of a Few April Fools. I"

1t was a wild April night. Stormy
March, after holding high carnival
through the whole of his tempestuous
career, had surrendered his sceptret
with one desparing howl, and April
had entered upon the scene, bathed
in tears, without a smile of greeting
for the dear old earth she had lefl
ayear ago.
The streets of the village were near
" deserted, aud Rodney Marston sat
alone in the office of Marston & Mars
ton. Presently the Office boy came in
with a note. 1t was directed to r.
Marston, Esq.
'.Does that mean me, or Uncle Rog-
erP" said the young man to himself.
Il will open it anyway; it is probably
on business"
The note was not very businesslike in
its appearance; neither was tho thick,
creamy note-paper, on which these
words were written:
m SIS Barton wishes to see Mr..
Marston Immediately, on business of
importance
Rodney looked at the note thought
fully. The senior member of the firm
had gone to the city that morning, and
would return by the late train. 1t was
necessary that somebody should at
tend to this affair, and Rodney, with
all the ardor of young barrister,
resolved to answer the summons. The
firm of MarSton & Marston was a
youthful one. 1t was only few weeks
before that the well-known sign, "Rog-
er MarSton, Attorney-at-Law," had
been replaced by a smart new one,
indicating the recent partnership of
uncle and nephew.
Ned" said he, "where does Miss
Barton live?"
"A little out of the village in two
story white house, on the road that
goes by the Baptist church." replied
the boy.
ooh yes, l know" said young Mars
ton hastily. well, I'm obliged to 90
up there, and if anybody comes-they'll
not like to on such night as this-tell
them to wait"
''All right, SIR" said the boy.
"IL's rough night" muttcred the
young man, us, after donning rubber
boots and overcoat, and armng himself
with a huge umbrella, he stepped out
into the WIND and rain; "but profession
al men must brave all kinds of wealth
err The consciousness that he be-
longed to that illused fraternity gave
him IN exalted sense of misery unat-
tainab!c by common mortals.
Half an hour after. a dripping, for
lorn-loo&ing figure presents itself at
the two-story house and rang the bell
vigorously. No answer, another peal
followed. Presently the door was
opened cautiously few inches, and
one eye, belonging to half human
face, peepod timidly out.
rs Mss Barton IMP" inquired Rod-
ney.
"Ye-yes, ST., replied quaking voice
''but she can't see anybody tonight"
al think she will see me. however"
said Marston, gaining confidence as he
scented possible mystery. please
inform her that Mr.. Marston, the attor-
ner awaits her pleasure.
What does this mean, Martha"
said fresh, pleasant voice from with
in. Let the gentleman in whoever
he is"
Martha obeyed, and covered back
in the shadow of the hall as if she en-
pected nothing short of instant assassi-
nation. Marston gave little heed to
her, however, for standing in the full
light of the hall lamp was dainty,
girlish figure, with the sweetest,
merriest face he had ever seen.
You must excuse our GIRL she's a
perfect coward Pray come in SIR"
said the Young lady.
"Thank you; as soon as have made
myself presehtable," he replied,
removing his dripping outer gar
ments. Then he was ushered into a
cosy sitting-room. where bright open
fire seemed to offer a laughing chal-
lenge to the April storm.
MY name is Marston," he began,
bowling. Pardon me, but | do not ad-
dress Miss Barton" half question
ingly.
Il am Miss Barton" replied the
girl, with an assumption of dignity.
Now Rodney hastily formed the idea,
wadng through the mud to her house.
that Miss Barton was an elderly spinis-
ter. This bright vision. with the
laughing brown eyes, somewhat con-
founded him.
II am Miss Barton" she said again,
after moment. But the one you
probably wish to see is my aunt, Miss
Cornelia Barton. l am sorry she is
not at home"
Not at home!" he repeated little
stupidity. Il received an urgent sum-
mons 10 come up and see her."
what kind of summons?"
This note was handed to me, not an
hour ago" he explained, giving it
to her. l think it was intended for my
uncle, but he is absent, and / took
the liberty" He stopped. for the
brown eyes were dancing with mirth.
MIR. Marston," 81 d she, did YOU
happen to look at the calender before
you started2'
He struck his forehead with a spirit
OF recollection. April LIST! how stupid
in me to forget it, when they have been
playing their stale jokes all day, on the
street and in my office"
The touch of vanity. displayed in the
way he said my Office" was delight
full.
II beg thousand pardons for dis
turbing YOU" he added, still standing,
yet unwilling to 60.
please be seated a few minutes"
said the young lady. politely. 1T can
not rain like this very long. II you